Import and export companies frequently use terms such as ETD, ETA, ATA, ATD in both air and sea transportation. These internationally recognized concepts for supply chain management are used for accurate date and time planning. In this content, we will examine the meaning of these terms, why they are important and the factors that affect these dates.
What is ETA?
ETA, or estimated time of arrival, is a term often used around the world to indicate the time of arrival. It stands for estimated time of arrival. It is used in the shipping and logistics industry to estimate when a shipment will arrive at its destination port.
For a ship, container or package in transit, an estimated time of arrival (ETA) can help the recipient track their shipment without having to call the shipping office. Simultaneously, operations teams can use this data to optimize delivery schedules and improve predictability.
How is ETA Calculated?
Many factors are taken into account when calculating ETA. These include
Distance between origin and destination
Average speed of the ship
Number of call points
Climate and weather conditions
Time required for refueling
Port traffic and congestion
Unforeseen emergencies
Taking into account the relevant factors, you can calculate the ETA with the following formula:
Estimated departure time + Estimated transit time = Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
When providing ETAs, carriers need to accurately estimate the time taken in processes. Here, real-time visibility through API integration and smart technology helps track vessels and give the exact time of arrival at the port for the vessel or container.
What is ETD?
ETD stands for estimated time of departure. It stands for estimated time of departure. It is the date/time when the ship or container is expected to depart from the port of origin. ETD is important as it provides information about the vessel departure and informs consignees about the expected scheduled times for the port of destination.
Based on the estimated time of departure (ETD), carriers calculate the expected time of arrival (ETA) and estimated completion/delivery time as part of the shipment flow.
How is ETD Calculated?
The booking confirmation sent by the ocean carrier or freight forwarder usually includes an estimated departure time. It is calculated taking into account several factors such as
Ship schedule
Maintenance and refueling
Weather conditions at various ports, both at the port of origin and en route
Port congestion and equipment
Labor and other factors
These elements affecting ETD are further classified by some businesses specializing in marine delay insurance. These include the following:
Shore-side factors: Includes conditions such as labor unrest, traffic congestion, infrastructure challenges and transportation issues at ports.
Ship-related factors: Includes factors such as weather delays and ship mechanical failures.
Calculating the estimated time of departure is very important as it helps buyers with berth planning, tugboat arrangement, shore leave, departure schedule planning and other operations.
What is ATA?
ATA stands for actual time of arrival. It is the exact time when a particular mode of transportation reaches its intended destination. It stands for actual time of arrival.
Unlike the estimated time of arrival (ETA), ATA is the time when the plane, train, bus, ship or other mode of transportation actually arrives, which may be later or earlier than the ETA due to standard delays.
ATA is when a vehicle arrives at a destination, but can still vary by company or industry. For flights, ATA can be when the plane arrives at its gate, not when it lands, and for an Uber ride, it can be when the driver arrives at the destination area.
What is ATD?
ATD stands for actual time of departure. It is when an airplane is actually taking off. It stands for actual time of departure. In logistics, ATD can also mean the point in time at which a shipment is sent. The equivalent concept is ATA, which describes the time of arrival of the shipment.
While the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) is a known factor, the Actual Time of Departure can only be specified when the shipment is on its way. Comparing ETD and ATD helps to recognize a delay in delivery.
Why the Terms ETA, ETD, ATA and ATD are Important in Logistics
With the correct assignment and processing of each of these dates, it becomes possible to manage the supply chain with minimal disruption. Each date is especially important for port management, smooth transportation and timely delivery of products by importers.
ETA and ETD, which are estimated arrival and departure dates, are important for port management. Port authorities through these dates;
Allocate resources efficiently.
Minimize the waiting time of ships.
Control the port density.
Thus, unnecessary truck queues and waiting fees in ports are reduced.